Forage

Bale in field of stubble — When preparing to harvest summer annual grasses, remember this mantra for best results: "Cut it early, cut it high, crimp the stems and they will dry."

Pasture and Forage Minute: Forage Harvest, Pasture Rental Rates and Controlling Yucca

July 24, 2024

Considerations for harvest of slow-to-dry summer annual grasses, setting 2024 pasture rental rates, and controlling yucca on Nebraska rangelands.

Hereford cow in pasture — Featured speaker of the 2024 Nebraska Grazing Conference is Dr. Ray Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories, who will speak on his career in soils and plant quality analysis.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Nebraska Grazing Conference Aug. 6-7

July 16, 2024

Details on the upcoming 2024 Nebraska Grazing Conference, and considerations for mid-season forage evaluations and stable fly management in pastures.

Cattle drinking from pond — Nitrates and blue-green algae are two main concerns of water quality for livestock in Nebraska, and while not as common, salinity can also be an issue.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Forage, Insect and Water Quality Issues for Grazing Livestock

July 9, 2024

Extension educators review common issues for producers to bear in mind as livestock graze throughout the summer, including prussic acid, horn flies and face flies, and water contamination.

Angus cattle feed in pasture — For producers planting annual forages on cropland, note that the current sign-up period for annual forage insurance ends July 15 for annual forages planted from Aug. 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025.

Insurance for Annual Forages Webinar

July 3, 2024

UNL ag finance experts discuss changes to the Annual Forage Insurance Program (AFIP) and share tips on how to integrate annual forage insurance coverage into your operation.

Cattle walking through pasture below storm clouds — Speeding up grazing during wet conditions and slowing down during dry times is a reliable way to adjust grazing to match current conditions.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hay Harvest, Weather Impacts on Forage Growth and Grazing Strategies

July 1, 2024

Nebraska Extension educators share tips on adjusting grazing strategies for summer weather and forage growth, and targeting the best date for sub-irrigated meadow hay harvest.

Alfalfa windrow being collected by harvester — To minimize nutrient loss from rain events during alfalfa harvest, spread windrows as wide as possible and condition at harvest, which can reduce dry down from two days to half a day.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Considerations for Alfalfa Disease, Harvesting During Wet Summers and Weevil Feeding on Regrowth

June 25, 2024

Recommendations for alfalfa producers on managing windrow disease, navigating rain issues during harvest, and estimating alfalfa weevil thresholds when regrowth feeding has been observed.

Grasshopper on plant leaf — While grasshoppers are considered damaging to rangeland and crops, only a handful of Nebraska’s species have been known to cause damage. Correct identification of these species’ nymphal developmental stage will improve results from insecticide applications. See the Grasshopper Pest Management page for identification resources.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Management Considerations for Grasshopper, Poison Hemlock and Yucca

June 20, 2024

Economic thresholds of grasshoppers have been observed in some Nebraska pastures — review the square foot method and insecticide options to begin scouting and control measures.

Hay bale sits in field — Nebraska hay stocks are substantially higher than last year, and coupled with low demand, there's currently downward pressure on forage prices. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Staying Current on Forage Prices

June 18, 2024

There are several resources that Nebraska producers can use to stay up to date on current hay prices. Use these sites to stay informed throughout the forage production season.

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